In 2024, JLI developed a new training course introducing faith actors to religions and development research. The course accompanies JLI’s flagship State of the Evidence on Religions and Development report. It aims to strengthen faith actors’ capacity to demonstrate the impact of their work through research and evidence in policy, practice, and donor spaces.

The course  covers key themes in religion and development, such as peacebuilding, gender, health, environment, and decolonization. It also includes training on conducting research and incorporates practical modules in which faith actors are supported to lead their own research projects.

2023-2024 Course pilot

The course was developed in 2023-2024 with financial support from Trinity Church Wall Street. JLI partnered with five Anglican colleges in Kenya, Malawi, the Philippines, South Africa and Sri Lanka to co-create the course materials using collaborative, participatory processes.

The colleges identified topics of priority interest, shared preferences in terms of course format and activities, reviewed course teaching materials, and co-created the course reading lists.

The five colleges then piloted the course with their local communities in 2024, engaging over 100 students worldwide, including clergy and community members, practitioners, and researchers. Based on the pedagogical principles of participation, ownership, solidarity, creativity, and flexibility, the course prioritized the input and involvement of every student in the classroom.

Explore the course

The course materials are open-access and available to all. Explore the course teaching materials below.

Instructors’ Manual

Instructors' Manual

Instructors’ Manual

Module 1 – Topics in Religions and Development

Session 1: Introduction to Religions and Development

Session 1: Introduction to Religions and Development

Session 2: Climate Change and Religions

Session 2: Climate Change and Religions

Session 3: Religions, Health and Development

Session 3: Religions, Health and Development

Session 4: Gender, Development and Religions

Session 4: Gender, Development and Religions

Session 5: Peacebuilding, Development and Religions

Session 5: Peacebuilding, Development and Religions

Session 6: Decolonisation, Development and Religions

Session 6: Decolonisation, Development and Religions

Module 2 – Doing Research

Session 1: Introduction to Research

Session 1: Introduction to Research

Session 2: Research Design

Session 2: Research Design

Session 3: Data Collection

Session 3: Data Collection

Session 4: Data Management and Analysis

Session 4: Data Management and Analysis

Session 5: Research Dissemination

Session 5: Research Dissemination

Module 3 – Practical Application

Session 1: Planning projects I

Session 1: Planning projects I

Session 2: Planning projects II

Session 2: Planning projects II

Sessions 3 & 4: Discussing ongoing research

Sessions 3 & 4: Discussing ongoing research

Session 5: Reflection and feedback

Session 5: Reflection and feedback

To learn more about the course, contact Dr Olivia Wilkinson ([email protected])

Navigate through the learning paper online 

Following the pilot year and feedback from participants and instructors, this learning paper describes the main pedagogical methods and adaptations suggested for the future implementation of the course. We advise future instructors to consult this learning paper before implementing the course.

2 Comments

    • Florine De Wolf

      Thank you for your interest in the course! While JLI has developed the course materials, we do not offer the course directly. We encourage you to reach out to one of the institutions that have already hosted the course or contact another institution to inquire if they would be interested in offering it. Let us know if you need further information!

      Reply

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